Natasha's Hope Read online

  “That’s an assumption, love. The books could have been made up years later. We have no way to know that.”

  “Good point,” she agreed. “I doubt the students received copies like they do today.”

  “Can you imagine how the student body and professors felt once they found out the truth. The royal family had attended school with them. It would be a shock.”

  “Especially for all the women who went out with the twins.” Keeghan giggled. “‘Oh my gosh, I kissed the future king!’ I wonder if that became headline news like Prince William and Kate Middleton?”

  “Could you imagine figuring out years later that you went out for drinks with him, or his brother Marcus a few times.”

  “No. Can’t. But at least I wouldn’t have been nervous talking to them. If I were there and had known, I wouldn’t have gone within twenty feet of either of them if I could avoid it.”

  Keeghan reached for the book in front of her husband, pulled it toward her, and stared at the portrait of Natasha.

  “My dream is actually based on real people and their lives. The proof is in front of me. Black and white in these archives. Why can’t I remember what I watched or read? Crap. This is pissing me off.” She turned the pages back to the picture of Natasha. “My characters no longer have fuzzy faces. This is a major step. Hopefully my subconscious will remember this and they will have faces in my next dream. That is assuming I have another dream. I want to know why Izabella declined Stewart’s proposal. She loves him.”

  “Take a step back, Keeghan. We’re still concentrating on Stewart and Natasha. I’m not ready to leave this couple yet. No wonder they fell in love so quickly,” he responded. “Love at first sight.”

  “Following my story line, Greg is next. I don’t know if he attended Picton, but we can look for Vicki, and then Hope and Adam.”

  “Slow down, love. It’s getting late, and you’re going to get hungry. With you, hunger comes with a headache. You need more fresh air, a decent meal, and a good night’s sleep. I don’t want you to get sick. Let’s call it quits for the day.”

  They returned the books to the librarian and walked back to their rental car. At the hotel, after a big meal, they took a short walk. Will fell asleep minutes after his head touched the pillow. Unable to relax, Keeghan debated on waking him. She always slept soundly after sex, but instead, she sat up and reviewed her notes. I know I didn’t watch this story on television, but where is the information coming from? Snuggling into Will’s back, she finally drifted off.

  Chapter Two

  Keeghan’s Dream

  Keeghan saw Alexander, relaxing under the tree. Gripping Will’s hand, she ran in his direction with Constable racing ahead, wagging her tail. Before she had a chance to speak, she saw Stewart and Izabella in the office. Izabella’s face was still a bit fuzzy, but Stewart’s features were crisp and clear. Keeghan and Will joined Alexander on the grass, eager for the saga to continue.

  “Don’t say it,” Izabella pleaded. “Please don’t say those words.”

  I must be mistaken, but, no. She stopped me. “You’re declining my proposal?” he questioned. “You don’t wish to become my wife?”

  Izabella shook her head. Pain and disappointment filled Stewart’s heart. He had been so certain of his decision the day he ordered the ring. After lying with her, he desperately wished for Izabella to share every aspect of his life. He loved her desperately. The day Natasha declined his proposal rose to the surface of his thoughts. The worst day of his life—until now. With the box in his hand, he swivelled his wrist and looked at the ring. I’m cursed. Why won’t women accept my proposal on the first go? He fought back the tears that threatened to pool in his eyes. The pain turned to anger. Scowling, the box snapped closed beneath his clenched fingers. Izabella jumped. Her eyes filled with tears.

  “I intend to be in your life as long as it is your wish. I love you, Stewart Donovan. I don’t want to lose you.”

  “But you do not wish to marry me?” he retorted in confusion.

  “Nay,” she whispered. Tears slid down her cheeks. “I cannot marry another man.”

  Getting to his feet, he stared at the small box in his hand. “I must be cursed. Natasha also declined my first proposal. She only agreed once she discovered she was with child.”

  Izabella wiped her tear streaked cheeks. “You are loved. She loved you as I do. In my heart, we became man and wife the night I joined you in your bed.”

  “But you won’t allow me to make our relationship official?” he replied angrily.

  “I wish I was able to become your wife, but I cannot. The evening on the beach, when we shared our first kiss, I fell in love with you. I have thought of this moment many times. Hoping with time, I could justify our marriage in my heart. I’ve struggled with this. I have no regrets, Stewart. Please believe that.”

  My timing. If only I’d known. We could have been married before Hope graduated. “I’m wishing I proposed before your business trip.”

  “I would have responded in the same fashion. I cannot take the name Mrs. Stewart Donovan. Natasha carried your name to the grave, and I will not take it away. I cannot take it away. There are two reasons for my decision.”

  Stewart sat on his chair behind his desk, keeping his hands on his lap. “I’m listening.”

  “You will think I’ve gone mad, but I plan to be buried next to my husband. I loved him, and he deserves to have me laid to rest beside him. Knowing the love you shared with Natasha, I’m certain it is your intent to spend eternity by her side.”

  Natasha was laid to rest at the Donovan plot. He would join her when the time came. Stewart nodded.

  “If we married, Hope would want our bodies together. I cannot take that chance,” she continued.

  Stewart sat upright. “Izabella, we shall inform Hope of our wishes to be buried with our respective first spouses.”

  Izabella sniffed and wiped the wet streaks from her cheeks, again.

  “As a daughter, Hope will be torn. Knowing the love we share, it’s possible she would decide to keep us together. I can’t risk being placed at the Donovan grave, with your body between Natasha and me. In her place, I would wish for my poppa to be laid to rest between the two women he loved, especially if we’re together a number of years.”

  He shook his head. “She wouldn’t go against your wishes.” Stewart stood and pulled his chair over to Izabella. Sitting, her took her hands into his and, looked into her eyes. He couldn’t recall a time seeing her as tired. “You’re exhausted and require rest. Relax while I—”

  “I admit I’m tired, but I wish to discuss this,” she assured him.

  “Okay. You stated two reasons.”

  “Yes. The other is more difficult to explain. There are a number of legal documents concerning Charles’s company.”

  “That is to be expected.”

  “I became Mrs. Charles Herman years ago and stood by my husband as he established himself as a businessman. In a legal document, I am listed as a person of authority for Herman International. Charles had no reason to anticipate his illness, but had the documents prepared on the off chance he was out of the area and a signature was required. The lawyers prepared one document that I wasn’t aware of, but came across recently. I doubt Charles realized the ramifications of the sentence. I cannot quote the exact legal terms, but it states I have authorization within the Herman business. If I were to change my name, as a result of remarrying, I lose this authorization.”

  Stewart’s attention shifted to the ceiling for a moment.

  “I love Charles, as you love Natasha. Given the recent circumstances, I cannot risk giving another senior member of the business more authority. I could not live with myself if Charles’ business is not run in a manner of which he approved. I will leave this earth Mrs. Charles Herman.”

  Distressed by the news, he understood her reasoning to a point. She would never agree to become his wife. Stewart wanted Izabella in his life. He wanted to share every aspect of his
life with her. “My heart is breaking.”

  “As is mine. Had we met and fallen in love in our youth, we would have wed and had a family. It would have been a privilege and honour to take your name and carry your children, but we did not. I shall spend eternity with Charles and you with Natasha. Death parted us, but we shall be reunited at the grave and in heaven.”

  Unbearable pain strangled his heart. His eyes clouded with tears. Stewart wiped his eyes with his fingers. It would please his family if they wed, but that was not Izabella’s wish. “If you change your mind, one word from you and we shall be standing before the priest before the day is through.”

  Izabella made a feeble attempt at a smile but the tears streamed down her cheeks.

  He reached into the pocket of his trousers, removed a hanky, and handed it to her. She wiped the wet streaks, reached over, and kissed him.

  The past month had been dreadful. He missed her. He didn’t want to consider a life without her. He waited years to have a woman enter his heart. Determined to embrace their relationship, they would remain together. Although Izabella would not agree to become his wife, she did wish to remain in his life. There had to be a solution where both he and Izabella could be happy. Marriage would make the families happy, but that wasn’t meant to be. He and Natasha shared a home before they married. It certainly wasn’t ideal, but it didn’t harm their relationship. Very few people knew the truth. In order to be happy with Izabella, he was willing to live within an unorthodox relationship. They could deceive certain people in the outside world.

  Stewart looked at the box, opened the lid, removed the ring, and held it between his thumb and fingers. He gazed into her tear-filled eyes. “Hope and Adam have requested I move into the orphanage,” he informed her. “The invitation was to include my wife.” He attempted the impossible, to smile. He slid the ring onto the edge of her left finger and looked into her eyes. A surprised and wary expression covered her face.

  “Stewart.”

  “Shh,” he whispered. Stewart pushed the ring up to her knuckle. She never uttered a word. “The woman I love won’t marry me, so I am asking my lover to join me. Izabella Herrmann, I love you and wish to have you in my life today and every day. I’m asking you to join me as I move into my new home. Although I would prefer to share my home with my wife, I beg of you, Izabella. Please come and live with me.” He pushed the ring completely onto her finger.

  Izabella looked at the ring on her hand and then kissed his fingers.

  “Stewart. I can’t. Your sister and parents know we have shared a bed, but that information cannot become public knowledge. My God, it would destroy our reputations. I am not in the habit of….”

  “Personal knowledge of our relationship wouldn’t be made known. My crew does not know the location of my home. That will never change. Is it imperative for employees to know the location of your residence?”

  Izabella shook her head. “No.”

  “We could live under the pretense of a married couple at the orphanage, but to Herrmann business associates, you are still Mrs. Charles Herrmann.”

  “It will be assumed we were married, but that ceremony will not take place?” Izabella clarified.

  “There is no need for our surnames to be used at the orphanage. I will be known as Stewart to the children, staff, and volunteers. Not Mr. Donovan.”

  “And I would be known as Izabella. Our businesses would not be discussed while in their presence.”

  “There is no need to discuss our businesses. Izabella, if you ever change your mind, if anything changes, I will make you an honest woman the day you agree to become my wife.”

  “Where is my mind? Stewart, I appreciate your desire to remain close to your daughter, but you have gone mad if you wish your daughter and her husband to share his small room at the orphanage. You have gone equally mad to suggest that I join you in such a small, cramped space. The notion of the two of us sharing Adam’s childhood, small bedroom is ludicrous. If you wish to move, I live in a large home and would welcome you to join me. I beg of you, please inform me you have not agreed to this nonsense.”

  I have a surprise for you, my love. Stewart gripped her hand, eager to show her his sketches. Leading Izabella to the working side of his desk, he pointed at the drawing.

  “You’re looking at sketches to renovate and expand the orphanage,” he informed her. “The company that bears my name has been awarded the contract to build an addition, a personal residence for my daughter and her family,” he stated proudly. He pointed at the extension. “This will be my….” He stopped to ensure she was listening. “Our quarters. This is the original structure. I feared adding to the length would make the building appear institutional. Adam and his father agree. The addition will form an L.” He watched as Izabella studied the drawing. “Our residence will face the front of the building. Affording us the ability to see all the commotion—visitors arriving—children playing.” He pointed at the hallway in the addition. “The door from the hallway will lead to a large sitting room,” he continued, tracing the route with his fingers. “Appreciating your need for space or private entertaining, I have included a second sitting area for your personal use.” He pointed at the room to the left. “Both sitting rooms will have ample space for entertaining and windows facing the front of the property. To the far right, you will find a door leading to our private area. Our bedroom.”

  Stewart looked at Izabella’s face. She was smiling, perhaps considering his offer. Pleased, he put his hand behind her head, leaned forward and gave her a short, but passionate kiss. “Join me in my new home,” he pleaded.

  “This would not be an accepted relationship. Couples do not share a home unless they are wed.”

  “We aren’t asking for acceptance. We will be living a lie, but we will be happy.”

  “I need to give serious thought to the details. What I will tell business associates.” Izabella’s smile turned into a grin. “But you shall have a roommate.” She winked at him, “And a bed-mate. Our families shall believe we are married.”

  After deceiving his family during his relationship with Natasha, Stewart refused to consider being anything but being truthful.

  “My family will be devastated if they assumed we were married without informing them. Hope will be livid. No. That will not do. No. Our families deserve to know the truth,” he insisted.

  Izabella closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and exhaled slowly. “My parents will be less than pleased. I do not wish to upset your family.”

  Raising his eyebrows, Stewart was not looking forward to the conversation. “Nor do I. Yet again, they will be disappointed. We discovered Natasha was with child and we still waited to wed. I should attempt to get you with child,” he joked. “Perhaps you would agree to marry me.”

  A strange expression covered Izabella’s face. Instead of inquiring, he ignored it, thinking she was coming up with a witty comment.

  “Bite your tongue,” she replied.

  “Hope shall be disappointed,” he continued. “Our marriage has been on her mind for months.”

  “I shall speak with Hope and Adam. Without their acceptance I will not—I cannot accept the offer,” Izabella concurred.

  Stewart crossed his fingers for luck. It would be a difficult conversation. In the back of his mind, he still hoped Izabella would agree to become his wife. It had been a long month, and she was tired. She needed time to give the idea of marriage serious thought. He stepped away from her, contemplating. The addition and renovation will take months to complete. During that time she could speak with Charles’ lawyers. Documents could be adjusted, changed to allow Izabella to marry. The moment the renovation and addition are completed, we could be married. We could return from our honeymoon and move into our new home. He didn’t want to consider the alternate conversation with his family. It would be imperative that Hope accept the living arrangement, and she was determined he and Izabella should marry. He hated the thought of disappointing his daughter. Time. Izabella n
eeds time to mull the idea over. Stewart waked back to Izabella and took her hands in his.

  “I wish to delay the conversation with our families,” Stewart informed Izabella. “Our new living arrangement will not begin for some time. Not until the new home is built. Speaking of the newlyweds, we have been invited to join them for dinner. Would you do me the honour of escorting me?”

  “I would be delighted. I’ve interrupted your day and you have a project. Is the architect pleased with these drawings? Has the crew been informed they are about to dig?”

  He had a flashback to his days at university. Natasha insisting he focus on his studies. “My mind drifted to a memory from the past,” he admitted.

  “A happy memory?”

  “Indeed it was. I was in love, as I am now.”

  * * *

  “No,” Keeghan whimpered, whining like a child. “It will take a miracle for Izabella and Stewart to get married. That sucks. Now I’m praying for that miracle.”

  Alexander smiled.

  “Does something happen, Alexander? Do they get married?”

  Alexander didn’t respond, but pointed toward the screen.

  * * *

  Stewart guided his horse to the boutique, picked up Izabella, and then continued on to the orphanage for dinner. Hope and Adam were on the front step, talking when they arrived. Hope dashed toward them with Adam a few paces behind. Stewart stepped off the buggy, extended his hand, and assisted Izabella to the ground.

  The diamond he had given her earlier that day dazzled in the late day sun. Ecstatic, Hope’s eyes widened. Her smile could light an overcast midnight sky. She hugged Izabella and then embraced her father, presuming they were engaged. Neither had the heart to tell her differently, especially with potential clients arriving, stopping their buggy beside his. Both the timing and location were inappropriate.